State minister says Bangladesh is implementing projects and long-term plans to address worsening freshwater shortages in coastal areas, as rising salinity driven by climate change intensifies the crisis.
The government of Bangladesh is actively working to resolve the growing freshwater crisis in coastal areas, State Minister Sheikh Faridul Islam said on Saturday, warning that climate change-driven salinity is worsening the situation.
Speaking at a dialogue held at the Mongla Upazila Parishad auditorium at around 11:00am, the state minister said multiple development projects are already underway, alongside long-term plans to ensure safe drinking water for coastal communities.
The event was organised by the upazila administration, Climate Action Forum and NGO Leaders. It was chaired by Dr Fahmida Khanam, additional secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
“Due to the impact of climate change, salinity intrusion has intensified, making the water crisis more complex in coastal regions,” Sheikh Faridul Islam said, adding that the government is prioritising sustainable solutions to ensure access to safe water.
Special guests at the event included district council administrator Barrister Sheikh Mohammad Zakir Hossain and executive engineer Joyonto Mallik of the Department of Public Health Engineering.
Mongla Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sharmin Akhter Sumi highlighted the severity of the issue, saying the scarcity of potable water has reached alarming levels due to rising salinity in coastal zones. She stressed that coordinated efforts between the government and development organisations are essential to address the crisis.
Among others present at the dialogue were senior assistant superintendent of police Md Refatul Islam of Mongla Circle, upazila health officer Dr Shaheen Hossain, officer-in-charge Atikur Rahman of Mongla Police Station, municipal BNP president Md Zulfikar Ali and general secretary Mahbubur Rahman Manik, along with people from various professions.
Following the dialogue, the state minister, district commissioner and additional secretary visited several private water supply projects in Mongla upazila.
